Abuela and Rock Child were in Abuela’s house far away from the Rock Child’s home and village. The Rock Child was quiet and sad. Abuela was concerned, “What’s the matter little rock?”

“I miss Mother Stone and Father Stone! On nights like this the Rock People gather to tell stories under the moonlight.” The Rock Child’s lip quivered. Abuela’s heart saddened, then she thought of an idea, “How about we go outside under the moonlight and tell stories? Maybe you could tell me a story about your people?” The Rock Child was so excited it rolled around and around until Abuela burst out laughing.

“Follow me,” said Abuela and the Rock Child followed her all the way into the garden. They found just the right spot amongst the rocks. The rock garden was aglow in the moonlight. Abuela sang, “Madre Casa. Madre Casa. Mother Home. Mother Home.” She stopped singing and the Rock Child knew that was a cue to start telling a story. It went something like this:

Once upon a time there was a village of Rock People, some were small stones and others were gigantic boulders. The Rock People loved the moon because she illuminated their faces and made them all appear beautiful.

“We look like angels!” cried Rock Brother.

“Stone angels!” giggled Rock Sister.

“Let’s play Moon Hide n’ Seek!” shouted Rock Brother.

“Can’t catch me!” yelled Rock Sister as she rolled into the shadows and hid. Rock Brother began to hum a low-pitched song, the sort that the Rock People are known for. His song caught Grandmother Moon’s attention and she turned to face him. Everywhere he walked looking for Rock Sister he sang. Everywhere he walked and sang, Grandmother Moon followed him, shining her brilliant light like a lantern. Grandmother Moon shone so bright that she illuminated Rock Sister and revealed her hiding place in the bushes!

“There you are!” shouted Rock Brother. “You’re it!”

“That’s not fair!” grumbled Rock Sister.

“Fair or not, it’s my turn!” said Rock Brother then he rolled away to find an even better hiding spot. Rock Sister counted, 10-9-8… 3-2-1! Ready or not, here I come!” But before she rolled away to look for her brother, Rock Sister gazed up at Grandmother Moon. She smiled so bright, the moonlight lit up Rock Sister’s face. Rock Sister’s face was glowing so bright that indeed she did look like an angel! Her face glowed so brightly that Rock Brother couldn’t help it. He just had to see it! He rolled out of hiding!

“I see you!” shouted Rock Sister. “You’re it!”

“That’s not fair!” grumbled Rock Brother. Rock Mother and Rock Father heard all the grumbling and decided to play.

“You two hide and we’ll seek,” said Rock Mother.

Rock Sister and Rock Brother rolled away. Rock Brother whispered to Grandmother Moon, “Please hide with us, so Mother and Father can’t find us right away.” Grandmother Moon smiled her radiant smile then hid behind the clouds. Mother Stone and Father Stone chuckled, “There’s nothing like Hide n’ Seek by the light and shadow of the Moon.”

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The story of Abuela and the Rock Child was actually inspired by a song and true story about a father and his two young daughters who did a remake of a popular song to raise awareness about the plight of not being able to bring their Mexican Mother/Grandmother into the U.S. I was struck by the love of the son and his daughters for their Mother and Grandmother and by the pain of separation. The song the children sang for their Grandmother was very touching. I couldn’t get their story out of my mind while I was working on writing the series of stories for Grandmother Moon and Other Mother Stories, so I decided to just write and see what story found me.

It was also a beautiful sunny day and my writing studio looks out onto a hillside with a garden and trees. Broccoli and collards had flowered and attracted bees and butterflies. Bluejay chattered, and the hummingbird whirred its wings as it peered at me through the window. The potpourri of colors, sounds, and images stirred my imagination and out of it all I wrote Abuela and the Rock Child.

The illustration is by my daughter, Natasha Tasiyana. Three of the four illustrations for book one and the cover illustration are by Natasha. I’m thrilled to have her participate. I have been making up stories for my daughter since she was a little girl, so to have her create drawings for my stories now is especially delightful.

I love the sounds of the wind and the birds that Becky added to the audio story. It immediately transported me into Abuela’s garden. I hope you will be transported their too. Have a listen.